Carers demand more govt support

Thursday, 13 September 2007 12:00 AM

Trade unions have called on the government to do more to help carers in the work force.

The Labour government previously won praise for introducing the right to claim flexible working.

Unions estimate up to ten per cent of men and 20 per cent of women want to claim flexible working because of caring responsibilities.

However, activists today raised concerns that too many employees are finding ways to deny employees a request for flexible working.

Sue Rogers from ASUWT said nearly three in ten employees are refusing requests for flexible working, citing concerns it will be too expensive or too impractical.

She blamed this on the "lack of progressive thinking, creativity and modern employment thinking".

The TUC Congress backed a motion brought by Usdaw calling on the government to tighten legislation to protect the right of flexible working.

Delegates also agreed the government should increase the caring allowance, which currently stands at £48 a week.

Supporting the motion, Unison urged the government to better integrate public services to help people in need of care access services and ease the burden on carers.

Speaking at the TUC Congress on Monday, Gordon Brown affirmed the right of carers and parents to seek flexible working.

Mr Brown also announced earlier this month plans to create a standing commission on carers.

He has tasked carers' advocate Philippa Russell to implement the initiative, alongside carers minister Ivan Lewis.

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